In late June of 2025, I embarked on a floatplane trip with three fellow adventurers and one very trusty tool. The Hoffman Blacksmithing Trapper’s Hatchet was the ‘best in show’, outshining nearly all the tools we brought!
The Hoffman Blacksmithing Trapper’s Hatchet
The Hoffman Blacksmithing Journey
Liam Hoffman’s journey from teenage tinkerer to master bladesmith is a story forged in Appalachian grit. He began blacksmithing at the age of 13, driven by curiosity and a love for working with his hands. By the time he graduated high school, he had launched Hoffman Blacksmithing in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, crafting tools that blend historical design with modern performance.
His axes are shaped using early 1900s-era power hammers and forged from chromium molybdenum alloy, then paired with hickory handles inspired by 1800s logging tools. Each piece is finished with a custom-fitted leather sheath, reflecting the brand’s commitment to heritage and quality.
Forged in Fire: Hoffman Blacksmithing
At 19, Liam stepped into the national spotlight on the History Channel’s Forged in Fire. Tasked with forging a Kora sword, he went head-to-head with ABS Master Bladesmith Josh Smith—and won. His victory made him the youngest champion in the show’s history at the time, showcasing not just technical skill but a deep understanding of metallurgy and design under pressure.
That moment didn’t just validate his craftsmanship—it catapulted Hoffman Blacksmithing into the spotlight, drawing students and customers from around the world.
Beyond the Forge
Liam authored FORGED: A Guide to Becoming a Blacksmith, sharing his journey and encouraging others to embrace the craft. Despite high demand and long waitlists, Hoffman Blacksmithing remains fiercely committed to handcrafted excellence and American-made tools.
The company’s ethos is rooted in authenticity, with each axe telling a story of tradition, precision, and purpose. Whether you’re swinging one in the woods or admiring it on the wall, a Hoffman axe is more than a tool—it’s a legacy in steel.
Hoffman Trapper’s Hatchet
This hatchet is a fantastic tool. However, it’s not mine. It belongs to Tom Nuge of Knives By Nuge, and he was gracious enough to let me use it. As some may know, lending your axe/hatchet to someone isn’t taken lightly. It’s highly frowned upon to ask to use someone’s axe. It’s even worse if you aren’t skilled in using or sharpening it. However, Nuge offered it. I was honored!
The Hoffman Blacksmithing Trapper’s Hatchet features a 15-inch oval handle with a bulb end. It’s built for serious field use and reflects classic design. Forged from high-performance chromium molybdenum alloy steel, the 1.5-pound head delivers a sharp bite while remaining light enough for extended carry. Its compact size makes it ideal for hunters, campers, and anyone who values precision over bulk.
The standout feature is its hardened, crowned hammerhead poll, allowing you to drive tent stakes or nails without compromising the axe’s integrity. The bulb-ended handle offers enhanced grip and control, especially during fine work or when swinging in wet conditions. Whether you’re clearing brush or prepping kindling, this hatchet combines portability, durability, and versatility in one heirloom-quality tool.
Hatchet Work
We needed firewood for the damp days ahead and for most of our cooking. We double-teamed some smaller, dead-standing trees for our larger fuel. Nuge and I took to the woods with a Brautigam Expedition Works saw and hatchet to select the lucky timber. You could say we were quadruple-teaming the tree. We procured a tree that was calf to thigh thickness and dead.
If you understand felling trees, more thought goes into it than cutting. We estimated its fall and chopped a front kerf with the Hoffman Blacksmithing Trapper’s Hatchet. The saw was tagged in, and the tree was on the ground soon enough.
The group traded out, sawing and sectioning the tree before the Trapper’s Hatchet was back on duty. Chopping the wood upright traditionally worked well, and so did contact splitting. The wood was knotted, and sometimes needed to be chopped into and then turned over to split from the crown. This task puts a lot of stress on the handle and the poll. However, this is a Hoffman Hatchet!
Wrap Up: Hoffman Blacksmithing Trapper’s Hatchet
The Trapper’s Hatchet remained perfectly intact. No loosening of the head or loss of edge sharpness. As handsome as it looks, it’s a user! If you’re fortunate enough to snag one when they’re in stock, do it. You are worth it!
